Teacher suffers life-changing injuries after being struck by a car

Teacher develops chronic pain syndrome after being hit by a car at a petrol station

A teacher has received a six-figure payment after she was run over by a car at a petrol station and was left with a chronic pain condition and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The woman was walking away from the petrol station on the roadway when, despite getting onto the pavement to avoid a reversing car, the vehicle mounted the kerb, knocking her to the floor and trapping her legs under the wheel.

She was released from under the vehicle by the driver and rushed to hospital by paramedics who treated her for soft tissue injuries to her shoulder, neck and back. The woman tried to return to work a week after the accident but was only able to work for two days before the level of pain meant she had to stop.

A consultation a month after the accident found that she had also fractured her pelvis in the accident. She now suffers from Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS), meaning that she struggles to walk and is unable to work. The woman also requires therapy to try to help her cope with her anxiety as a result of her PTSD.

She contacted her union, NASUWT, who put her in contact with Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a compensation claim.

The member said: “I’m still suffering nightmares from the accident to this day. I screamed in agony until the driver finally realised that I was trapped under his car and pulled away.

“I tried to return to work but it was just too much; the school didn’t seem concerned about my injuries or accommodating my limitations. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that I will probably never be able to teach again. On a personal level I used to enjoy spending my spare time travelling and working in my garden, but now I only leave my house to visit my GP, which has really got me down.

“I hope that the compensation I have received means I can keep trying new methods of physiotherapy so that I’m not reliant on crutches for the rest of my life.”

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “A dedicated teacher has lost her career through careless driving. Her injuries may be with her forever but thankfully her membership of the NASUWT meant that she was able to receive expert legal advice from Thompsons Solicitors free of charge.”

Paul Brown, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “This case shows just how vulnerable pedestrians can be, especially in high traffic areas like petrol stations. The fact that the driver was reversing at a slow speed may well have meant that the accident wasn’t fatal.

“Our client suffered both psychological and physical injuries from the accident, so we ensured she was provided with both emotional support as her case progressed before ensuring long term financial support.”

Injured on the roads? Help and compensation is close at hand.

If you’ve been injured on the roads in the last three years, our expert road traffic accident solicitors can support you. Whether you were injured as the driver or passenger in a vehicle, or as a pedestrian or cyclist, you may be able to claim for damages.

Unlike other firms, Thompsons only ever acts for the injured person – never for insurance companies. This means we will fight harder to secure the maximum level of compensation for your injuries, and not try to please motor insurance paymasters.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation assessment of whether you have a claim for compensation following a road accident.